Manchester City vs Watford: Player ratings as Raheem Sterling stars after controversial goal

Manchester City 3-1 Watford: Raheem Sterling's hat-trick gives Pep Guardiola’s side a four-point lead at the top of the league

Manchester City stretched their lead at the top of the Premier League table to four points as Raheem Sterling's hat-trick spurred Pep Guardiola's side to a 3-1 victory at The Etihad.

City were unable to break the deadlock despite a spell of uncompromising dominance in the first-half with Sergio Aguero missing a golden chance to take the lead.

However, Raheem Sterling then put the champions ahead in controversial circumstances, when a long ball forward was chested down by Ageruo into the path of Sterling off whom it ricocheted into the net.

Sterling, clearly in an offside position, was ruled as so by the linesman, before after a lengthy period of deliberation referee Paul Tierney then overruled the decision and awarded the goal.

Sterling then tapped in for City's second after a fine piece of build-up play before the Englishman completed his hat-trick less than ten minutes later with a fine finish.

Gerard Deulofeu scored with his first touch of the game for Watford after coming off the bench but the goal proved to be nothing but a consolation.

Check out the gallery above to see our player ratings from the game.